Payroll Specialist (ADP & Workday)

About the role

BDA is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist with a strong background in domestic and international payroll processing, payroll systems, and HRIS support. The ideal candidate will bring at least 3 years of hands-on payroll experience, strong knowledge and recent Workday experience, and advanced Excel skills to support detailed reporting, reconciliations, payroll audits, and system-driven process improvements.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys payroll accuracy, compliance, systems optimization, and cross-functional partnership with HR, Finance, and business leaders. Experience supporting or leading Workday implementations, global payroll projects, or HRIS/payroll process improvements is highly preferred.

Location: This role requires onsite presence 4 days a week at our Austin, TX, or Troy, MI location. Would also consider Woodinville, WA, or Plainfield, IN.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll for 1,400+ employees across multiple states and global locations using Workday.
• Support domestic and international payroll processing, including coordination with global payroll partners and systems.
• Manage state and federally mandated garnishments, wage verifications, and related payroll compliance items within Workday.
• Maintain, audit, and reconcile employee PTO accruals, payroll deductions, and related balances.
• Manage the electronic and online timekeeping system for hourly employees.
• Ensure commissions, sales incentives, and bonuses are paid accurately and on time, in alignment with compensation structures.
• Run weekly, monthly, and ad hoc payroll reports to support audits, reconciliations, compliance, and business needs.
• Currently using ADP SmartCompliance for garnishments, pay cards, and related payroll processes. Transitioning to Workday.
• Partner with HRIS, HR Operations, Finance, and business stakeholders to improve payroll processes, reporting, and system accuracy.
• Support Workday-related payroll and HRIS initiatives, including configuration, testing, data validation, implementation support, and process documentation.
• Assist with payroll tax setup, compliance review, and issue resolution related to federal, state, local, and international payroll requirements.
• Serve as a payroll systems subject matter expert, helping identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, or project support to team members during payroll system updates, implementations, or process changes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, including multi-state and global payroll processing.
• Workday experience required; experience processing payroll in Workday in a global organization.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, including federal, state, local, pension, filings, and garnishment processing.
• Experience setting up, auditing, or troubleshooting payroll tax-related items within payroll/HRIS systems preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, advanced formulas, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to manage confidential data with discretion and professionalism.
• Fluent English required.
• Payroll certification preferred, or equivalent years of payroll experience.

Preferred Experience

• Mix of payroll operations and HRIS/systems experience.
• Workday implementation experience in a global organization.
• Advanced Workday knowledge; ability to serve as a Workday/payroll systems SME.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, and external payroll vendors.
• Project management experience related to payroll, HRIS, Workday, or global payroll implementations.
• Experience improving payroll processes, documenting workflows, validating data, and supporting change management.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000. If hired, your compensation will be determined based on factors that may include geographic location, skills, education, and experience. In the spirit of pay transparency, the range listed is the full base salary range for the role, and hiring at the top of the range would not be typical to allow for future salary growth.

Benefits

• Robust PTO, including vacation, a paid volunteer day, holidays, and summer Fridays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Mental health and financial wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.

Certain revenue-generating positions may be eligible for incentive compensation.